On the 10th of October 2024, the Thriving Survivors' 2nd Annual Conference on Sibling Sexual Abuse (SSA) took place in the historic Trades Hall of Glasgow. It was a ground-breaking event sponsored by SONAR CMS. This landmark conference brought together experts, survivors, and professionals to address the critical and often overlooked issue of SSA.
Stuart Allardyce, Director at The Lucy Faithful Foundation and conference chair, welcomed attendees to a day of insightful discussions and expert contributions. The objective of the conference was to shed light on the prevalence, challenges, and long-term impacts of SSA while providing practical strategies for prevention, intervention, and recovery.
Keynote speakers delivered powerful and emotive presentations that set the tone for the conference. Ashley Scotland, the founder of Thriving Survivors, discussed her own experiences along with the organisation's mission for making a difference. Professor Kieran McCarten, Professor of Criminology at University of the West of England, explored quantifying Key Performance Indicators and the societal impacts of SSA. Amy Adams, doctoral researcher at the University of Birmingham, added to this by providing valuable legal perspectives on safeguarding and justice. David Russell, Development Lead and Service Manager at Thriving Survivors, delivered a compelling keynote speech, “Putting it all into practice”, on embedding research within practice to enhance understanding of SSA. David emphasised the importance of integrating research findings into practical applications to improve interventions for survivors and families. Additionally, Jane Epstein, Co-founding member of 5WAVES, captivated the audience with her recount of how she began spreading awareness on SSA, inspiring many with her dedication and tireless efforts to bring this critical issue to the forefront of public consciousness. Her Ted Talk is linked here.
The conference included a series of hands-on workshops that tackled essential topics related to SSA. For more information and a breakdown of what was discussed please see the link to the Thriving Survivors 2024 itinerary here.
These workshops equipped the attendees with practical frameworks and strategies to better support SSA survivors, those responsible for the harm, and affected families.
How SONAR can help the current support system
As the main sponsor, SONAR CMS demonstrated its commitment to trauma-informed care and justice for vulnerable groups. Our support highlighted a strong alignment with Thriving Survivors' mission to elevate the voices of SSA survivors and the professionals dedicated to supporting them.
Our involvement went beyond financial sponsorship. Throughout the conference, we displayed how our data management systems support healthcare professionals and agencies in achieving better outcomes for survivors. By providing timely and accurate information, SONAR CMS facilitates informed decision-making crucial for sensitive cases like SSA. Our technology promotes effective communication between agencies, fostering a coordinated approach to supporting survivors.
The conference attracted a diverse audience of professionals, including social workers, counsellors, psychologists, educators, and healthcare providers. Attendees had ample opportunities to engage with experts, ask questions, and gain insights into best practices for prevention, intervention, and recovery.
One of the key benefits of this conference was the emphasis on lived experiences. Survivors and professionals with extensive experience shared their perspectives, enriching the discussions and providing invaluable insights.
Looking ahead, both Thriving Survivors and SONAR CMS remain committed to driving meaningful change in addressing SSA and broader trauma-related challenges and other sectors. The conference highlighted the ongoing need for dedicated efforts in this field, and SONAR CMS pledged to continue providing tools that empower professionals and enhance outcomes for survivors.
The Thriving Survivors' 2nd Annual Conference on SSA marks a significant step forward in addressing this critical issue. By bringing together experts, survivors, and professionals, the conference has laid the groundwork for improved understanding, support, and intervention strategies in cases of sibling sexual abuse. The success of this conference underscores the importance of continued collaboration between organisations like Thriving Survivors and technology providers like SONAR CMS.
References:
Jane Epstein - “Giving Voice to Sibling Sexual Abuse” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0X5TvYrHxTA
Thriving Survivors Itinerary - https://www.thrivingsurvivors.co.uk/event-details/ts-annual-conference-2024
John White
Founder and CEO
Коментарі